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Very Rare "Wahoo" Sam Crawford Side-Written Game Used Bat (PSA)
Sam Crawford, known as "Wahoo Sam," played 19 Major League seasons (1899-1917), the first four seasons with the Cincinnati Reds and the remaining 15 years with the Detroit Tigers. Displayed is a rare side-written game used Sam Crawford bat. Wahoo Sam, for most of his Detroit Tiger career, played right field next to Ty Cobb in center field, and the easy-going Crawford didn't get along with the tempestuous Cobb. Crawford was an excellent fielder who hit .309 lifetime, with 2,961 hits. Crawford had outstanding speed, and he stole 367 bases, and he holds the all-time MLB career record for triples, with 309. After his Major League career, Crawford played four seasons with Los Angeles in the Pacific Coast League, and in 1921 he appeared in 175 games for Los Angeles and batted .318. One thing for sure, this bat was in the hands of Sam Crawford, as it is side written with Crawford's name. The offered bat is ash, with a standard finish, and it has a length of 35 inches and a weight of 36.4 ounces. The left barrel has been planed to receive the factory side writing "38 oz Samuel E. Crawford" in vintage grease pencil. It shows nice use with a cracked handle. "SPALDING" is burned on as a center-brand, with Spalding logo also on the knob. The "Samuel E. Crawford" signature is burned on the barrel. In 1921, it was customary for players to return a broken bat to the factory so the bat could be replaced with the same model. Although the bat was sent to the Louisville factory in 1921 while Crawford was playing in the Pacific Coast League, it is noted in the PSA letter that the broad range of the labeling period (1912-1921) "... makes it possible for the bat's use during Crawford's major league career." Just because it was sent in during the 1921 season does not mean that it was only used during that season. Players used bats for multiple seasons during this time period, and also had their favorites that they would take with them on the road. According to the included PSA/DNA Letter of Authenticity, "The appearance of factory side writing matching the name of the player branded into the bat is considered to be impeccable evidence." This bat is one of less than a handful of Crawford game used bats in the hobby and the only side-written example of which we are aware.
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